There is something in the air in the U.S. Open.<\/p>\n
There is an array of aromas from the food court and an excitement in the air as the final Grand Slam kicks off for two weeks, ready to crown two new champions.<\/p>\n
However, to Casper Ruud, something else sticks out, and he is not a fan of it.<\/p>\n
While playing alongside Iga Swiatek during the retooled mixed doubles tournament the Norwegian did not appreciate the smell of cannabis on the courts.<\/p>\n
Casper Ruud, of Norway, returns a shot during the mixed doubles final at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in New York. AP<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, this is the worst thing about New York,\u201d Ruud told Norwegian media, according to multiple reports. \u201cThe smell is everywhere, even here on the courts. We have to accept it, but it\u2019s not my favorite smell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just meters away, someone is smoking marijuana, he went on. We can\u2019t do anything about it unless the law is reversed, but I have strong doubts that will happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ruud and Swiatek made it through to the finals last week before losing to defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori,<\/p>\n
The U.S. Open has prohibited smoking at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center for the 145th edition of the tournament, however, New York State passed the law to legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2021.<\/p>\n
Casper Ruud of Norway and Iga Swiatek of Poland in action against Sara Errani of Italy and Andrea Vavassori of Italy in the final of the mixed doubles tournament at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Mike Frey-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Casper Ruud, of Norway, returns a shot during the mixed doubles final at the U.S. Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in New York. AP<\/p>\n
Ruud isn\u2019t the first to ever bring up the stench at the U.S. Open.<\/p>\n